Film, television, radio and other instruments of the media culture provide information and materials that people use in constructing identities; fostering a sense of self-hood and people-hood. Media images, therefore, influence and shape our view of the world and our profound traditions -  what we consider acceptable, desirable, inferior, superior, good, bad, evil, immoral or trendy.

The symbols and myths support the development of a common culture. Media sensations, and through films, may depict and influence who has power and who is powerless. Given the consumer society in the media age, it is critical to learn how to understand, interpret, and criticize its meanings and messages when the media culture is considered and often mis-perceived as the source of education that should influence how to behave, dress, act,  think, feel, believe, what to fear, want, to how to react to members of different social groups, how to be popular and successful and conform to the dominant system of ideas, norms, and practices.

Learning how to determine socio-cultural manipulation can enhance sovereignty and empower people in their cultural environment. 

African Films offer alternative narratives through the lenses of Africa, depicting diversity and plurality of stories, techniques, styles, themes and ideologies.  Exploring film as a potentially trans-formative moment, industry practitioners, historians, Humanity Councils to journalists may critically analyze the sustainability of the African film industry and the role of the mass media.

Save the  Date : September 6, 2014

For the African Film and Culture Conference during the African Heritage Month of September

For more on the African Heritage Month

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